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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

Figure 8.1 CHAPTER 9
Interagency Coordination LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Maritime law has its own terminologies and jurisdictions such as other legal regimes. This brief
introduction into the maritime law offers a framework outlining the most important legal concepts,
including a few maritime aspects of the law that are vital to carry out duties and responsibilities in
effective and efficient manner.

Present maritime security environment is more complex and involves many national and
international legal regimes. A conceptual understanding on maritime legal frameworks and correct
implementation are vital to address issues and law enforcement activities in the maritime domain
by the SLN and the SLCG.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
The legal position regarding the sea is a matter covered under international laws, in which
UNCLOS can be considered as the present international law of the sea. Sri Lanka ratified the
UNCLOS on 19th July 1994 and exercises jurisdiction over the territorial sea, contiguous zone,
EEZ and the continental shelf in par with the definitions laid down in the convention.
The Maritime Zones Law No. 22 of 1976, is one of the major legislations that links with the above
international law instrument which proclaimed its maritime boundaries, especially the territorial
sea area to be free of such prejudicial conduct by the users recognizing the importance of national
security envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations. Further, it contains provisions that
regulate state rights and interests in respect of the sea. As per the provisions of this law as well as
the 1974 agreement between India and Sri Lanka settled the maritime boundary between them in
the Palk Strait. Also, in 1976 another two Agreements were concluded on the maritime boundary
in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal between the two states and the Republic of the
Maldives on the tri-junction point between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives in the sea beyond the Gulf
of Mannar. As such, the demarcated maritime zones around Sri Lanka is undisputed and void of
contentions by neighbouring states. However, Sri Lanka’s Continental Shelf claim is yet to be
th
finalized. Further, the Proclamation by President W. Gopallawa dated 15 January 1977
prescribed the country’s maritime baselines, declared a 12 nautical mile territorial sea, a 24 nautical
mile contiguous zone, and a 200 nautical mile EEZ / pollution prevention zone and all to be
measured seaward from the baseline. It also defined Sri Lanka’s historical waters in the Palk Strait,
Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar.

Sri Lanka Navy’s Key Concerns

 Legal Provisions Related to Fisheries. Fisheries of Sri Lanka is governed by Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996 as amended by Acts No. 4 of 2000, No. 4 of
2004, No. 22 of 2006, No. 35 of 2013, No. 2 of 2015, No. 2 of 2016 and No. 11 of 2017.
In addition, illegal fishing activities by foreign fishing boats are regulated using provisions
available under the Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) Act No. 59 of 1979 as
amended by Act No. 1 of 2018. These two Acts contain provisions required to deal with
all illegal activities conducted by local fishing boats as well as foreign fishing boats in Sri
Lankan waters and by local fishing boats in high-seas and waters under the national
jurisdictions of other Coastal States.

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